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Sunday, 23 March 2014

Mobile roaming charges across the EU are set to be abolished altogether by December 2015 following a vote in the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy Committee today. These include costly charges for data roaming, which are currently capped at £376 per gigabyte in the EU.

However, Conservatives voted for an amendment that would reject the proposals altogether. Meanwhile UKIP MEPs did not turn up for the vote but have made it clear in the past that they oppose efforts to cut the costly fees.

Commenting, Leader of the Liberal Democrat MEPs Fiona Hall said:

"UKIP and the Tories have once again put their anti-EU ideology ahead of the interests of British consumers and businesses.

"Ending costly roaming fees will give UK citizens travelling in the EU the freedom to use their phones just like they do at home, whether that's using maps, downloading apps or sharing photos online.

"But a more connected continent will also benefit Britain's thriving digital economy, including app designers who currently lose out because people don't use their phones abroad.

"Liberal Democrats are the Party of In because we believe that engaging in Europe is the best way to deliver for Britain. That means driving down costs for families, creating jobs and opening up new opportunities for businesses overseas."